Photographer's Note

This is a photo I took last summer in Pego do Altar, a Dam in the Alentejo. This bridge used to make the connection between two villages but since the construction of the dam it's usually underwater. In fact, it hadn't been visible for decades. Last summer it became visible, which was a terrible sign. Many fish died and the dam had practically no water. So far, the situation hasn't changed that much. It has rained since then, but not enough.

Hi Ana,a great example of the effect of the very dry summer of 2017,same situation in my country and still now the lakes are very low. Great perspective and a unique way to show us the bridge in background,i like it! Have a nice weekend and thanks,Luciano

the Paris surburbs are under the water for 3 more weeks and you show a a drought, with the specific array of mud which have the same color than the old bridge, some water is still flowing in the river
have a nice week end
CLODO

Hello Ana,
In a strange way it's quite a beautiful photo, but it really looks terrible. The cracked earth of the dry riverbed is more what I would expect to see in Africa than in Portugal. The climate is really getting strange. Even in Sweden, with so many rivers and about 100.000 lakes, the ground water is reaching alarmingly low levels in some areas. But you have taken this photo well, with fine sharpness and light and the cracks making a strangely appealing pattern.
Kind regards,
Gert

Hello dear Ana and have a nice time
and a happy weekend
I red carefully your useful notes
that last summer it became visible
which was a terrible sign and many
fish died and the dam had practically
no water
what could I SAY???Great perspective
regards
Costantino

Hi Ana
Great impact and great story telling image, an image of terrible drought depicting the extent of the problem as the cracks draw the eye up to the bridge.

The barren land and starkness of the cracked earth speak very strongly of the situation here - a harsh and almost brutal capture that makes you think. It would make a great poster for Water Aid and whatever the conditions are, this gives a good opportunity to shutterbugs.

An amazing effect of the drying soil due to less water in the artificial lake, Ana.
The cracks shown in fine clarity and light upon, and the bridge arch's added an attractive object to the whole.
Bom fim de semana,
Ike

Whoa, that's serious! A worrying story in your note, but it's made a strong and eye-catching shot. You did the right thing in lowering the camera slightly to emphasize the foreground cracked mud, which is the nub of the story after all.

Hello Ana,
Oh dear, this doesn't look good at all, even though the dry, cracked land adds a wonderful pattern to the photo. The old bridge is beautiful too and you included it very well in the background. Good vertical composition.
Lars